PULSE Winter 2014

Winter 2014 | issue 4

the

Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

A Top Cast...

Meet Jodie Abraham & Danielle Perkins, Orthopaedic Technicians page 5 Bringing members, staff and PATIENTS the latest Trust news

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Staff celebration week 2014 p6

Message from our

Chief Executive Stephen Graves

Midwifery-led birthing unit initiates a new service

Welcome to the Winter edition of The Pulse magazine.

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joined Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in September and have already seen some fantastic examples of the great care provided to patients in both our hospitals.

I am pleased to report that we are seeing an increase in the number of patients choosing to write in to thank those staff members whom they felt gave excellent care. It is a great boost to our staff to know they are making a positive difference to patients’ lives. We honour staff members who go above and beyond the call of duty in our Outstanding Achievement Awards held every October. At this year’s event we heard some great stories of dedication and professionalism. See page 4 for a list of the winners in our awards ceremony, plus details of the other events staged as part of our Staff Celebration Week. These events were kindly sponsored by Lands Improvement Holdings, Medirest and Asteral.

We will be welcoming a new director to our board at the end of January. Joanne Bennis, our Deputy Chief Nurse, has been appointed as Chief Nurse following a rigorous recruitment process that took place in late October. Joanne will take up the post when our current Chief

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Nurse, Chris Wilkinson, takes early retirement. Find out more on page 10.

I’d like to draw your attention to some excellent work happening in our cardiology department.

In the article on page 7 you can find out how our team are developing our pacemaker service. Thanks to their efforts, more patients can have their pacemaker fitted closer to home – whereas previously they would have made a journey to Papworth Hospital.

We are also heading towards digitising the paper records that we hold on each patient. As you can imagine, we have hundreds of thousands of paper health records, so transferring them onto an electronic document system is no mean feat. Our team running this mammoth project are on course to ‘go live’ with electronic patient records in the summer 2015. We will keep you updated on this, and a similar scheme being run in our maternity department, in the next issue of Pulse in the Spring.

Until then, I would like to send Seasons Greetings to all our readers and wish you all a happy (and healthy) 2015.

Stamford Hospital MIU sees increasing number of patients

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Amazon ward gets a visit from a special princess p12

Join our chaplaincy team for Christmas Celebrations

Part of the Trust’s Occupational Health Team on hand to deliver the flu vaccinations

We’re getting armed against flu

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he annual ‘fight against flu’ campaign was launched across the Trust in October.

Last year, the Trust achieved one of the highest vaccination percentages in the region, after 77% of staff had their vaccination and the aim is to increase that result further this winter.

Each year the influenza virus causes

Park house correction In the last edition of Pulse (Autumn 2014), there was an error printed. The trust teamed up with Park House Healthcare (mistakenly printed Park House Nursing Home) who kindly donated 300 pocket sized mirrors to assist staff in their pressure ulcer checks.

huge disruption to the health service as a whole and although the vaccinations are not compulsory among NHS staff, it is an important part of patient care.

By having the flu vaccination, Trust staff assist in preventing flu from spreading to vulnerable patients, such as pregnant women, premature babies and the elderly,

which can be extremely serious.

Chris Wilkinson, Director of Care Quality and Chief Nurse for the Trust, said, “We have a duty of care to our patients to make sure that they are as protected as much as possible and by getting our staff vaccinated, it reduces that risk. Last year our staff supported the flu campaign, with great success and I hope we achieve a good uptake again this year.”

Friends of Stamford Hospital hold annual lecture Stamford Hospital hosted the Friends of Stamford Hospitals annual lecture in November.The Bill Packer lecture takes place each year and sees a notable Stamford resident present a topic to the public.

Miranda Rock, Director of Burghley House and Patron to the Friends of Stamford Hospital, where she discussed, “Burghley; The Last 30 Years.

Sue Brooks, Matron and Site Manager for Stamford

Hospital, said: “The annual lecture was, as always, very well attended and we would like to thank the Friends of Stamford Hospital and Miranda Rock for the event this year.”

This year the speaker was

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Staff celebration week 2014

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taff and volunteers were congratulated and thanked during a special week of celebration in October.

Staff who have been studying for additional qualifications were firstly honoured in a Graduation Ceremony, and our volunteers were thanked for their support in a breakfast get-together on the following day.

Stephen Graves, Chief Executive said: “I was really grateful to be invited to each of the events. In particular, at the Graduation Ceremony, I was very pleased to meet, and give thanks to, our colleagues for all the extra effort they undertake to enhance their skills and knowledge at work.”

The Outstanding Acheivement Award winners

Lesley Crosby, Assistant Director of Nursing and Care Quality, said: “We have over 200 volunteers who give up their valuable time to help us with an array of services ranging from directing patients and visitors to their appointments to helping patients at mealtimes. When people volunteer out of the goodness of their hearts, and sometimes for up to 20 or more years, it’s especially significant to ensure we recognise their commitment.”

The Trust’s Outstanding Achievement Awards were the final component of the celebratory week, with the formal evening ceremony taking place at the Orton Hall Hotel, Peterborough. Staff were awarded from nominations received by fellow colleagues and two additional public recognition awards were also presented. The ‘Health Hero’ award and the new ‘Midwife of the Year’ awards were voted for by members of the

Volunteer of 10 years, Enzo Petruzzielli receives his award from the Chief Executive and Chairman

public via The Peterborough Telegraph and Stamford Mercury newspapers. In addition, all staff with 25 years’ long service to the Trust were congratulated

and presented with certificates to thank them for their hard work.

The evening was sponsored by Lands Improvement Holdings, Medirest and Asteral.

The Information Services department welcome their newest recruit Rosanna Shackleton, an Oxford University graduate, has recently joined the Trust as part of her first year completing the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme.

The two year training programme requires participants to fulfil three placements, while studying part-time to complete an MSc in Health Informatics and a PG Cert in Healthcare Leadership.

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The first month of the scheme is an orientation of the hospital. This has involved observing a number of staff members in various departments across the Trust, ranging from a ward Sister to an ambulance crew.

Rosanna said: “Everyone has been very welcoming. All of the staff have been willing to give up their time to explain their role and what happens in their department.

The whole experience has been very

educational and has allowed me to gain an insight various areas of the trust.”

Each year the highly competitive scheme accepts 100 graduates who are offered the opportunity to train in one of four specialisms of management: Finance, health informatics, human resources or general.

60 Seconds with…

Jodie Abraham and Dannielle Perkins, Orthopaedic Technician Apprentices

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odie and Dannielle are two new members to the Orthopaedic Outpatients Team.

They have begun their apprenticeship with the Trust to train as Orthopaedic Technicians. Over 18 months, they will be taught by highly qualified mentors throughout the department.

Patients who have broken bones or long term orthopaedic problems will visit the plaster room for their treatment. Here, the girls are at the fore front of the activity. The key part of the job involves gaining the skills required to apply a cast correctly and safely.

Whilst the treatment in outpatients was an expected part of the role, it was the

National Casting Day

ward work and work in theatres that they were both surprised by. Casting covers all areas, they are learning about wound care, treatment plans and surgical procedures.

Jodie said: “Not only is it such a great experience but also a privilege to be valued as a member of the fracture clinic team. I am proud to say I work here and of the high quality of care that is given on a daily basis.

“Every member of the team is willing to share their knowledge and experiences.

I am learning about safe practice, as well as building up a rapport with the members of staff and patients I work with, and making sure every day remains enjoyable.”

National Casting Day was a great success at PCH

On Thursday 6 November, the Trust supported National Casting Day. This is a national initiative highlighting the role of plaster technicians and the difference their role makes to patient care. A cast applied by a skilled technician can prevent patients from needing surgery.

Carl Markillie, department manager, said: “The day was a fantastic opportunity for us to open our doors and show the public what happens in the plaster rooms and the roles that our orthopaedic technicians play.

“We put together an informative and educational day for members of the public who attended and were able to learn more about the department. Our recently-appointed apprentices, who are studying to become Orthopaedic Technicians, were available to talk to any students about their apprentice role.”

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Revolutionary new maternity system pilot begins 2014 has been a very exciting year for our maternity teams, with the planning of the new ‘K2’ maternity system. The new system effectively enables every aspect of the maternity patient pathway to be captured and recorded electronically. It will provide multiple benefits including improvements to the patient pathways and reducing risks to mothers.

The pilot for phase one began on 10th November and the ‘go live’ date has been confirmed as 10 February 2015. For women who are pregnant, this won’t mean immediate change as they will continue on paper-based notes until phase two is launched (April 2015). However, for those delivering their babies in the hospital, they will notice certain changes such as electronic recording of the CTG monitoring and the use of electronic notes on the delivery suite and midwifery-led birthing unit.

Training is well underway for all staff and we will keep you up-to-date on the next stages in the Spring 2015 edition of Pulse.

Singing for the brain sessions Following the success of a previous ‘Singing for the brain’ session, our chaplaincy team have organised another event this winter. The next session, held specifically for dementia sufferers, will be held on Wednesday 3 December at 12:30pm, in the Faith Centre at Peterborough City Hospital.

This event is open to inpatients, carers and any visitors that wish to attend who are welcome to sing along to both well-known songs and Christmas songs.

Alison Gray, Dementia Specialist Nurse said: “People with dementia may find that music helps encourages them to express positive feelings and emotions.

Well-known songs can evoke memories and patients may find that the music helps to enhance their communication.”

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Expectant Mum Jasmine with parner Kieran and two of the MLBU midwives

Midwifery-led birthing unit initiates a new service to improve patient care and increase low-risk birth rates

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he Midwifery-Led Birthing Unit (MLBU) at PCH was set up in 2007 at the old maternity unit on Alderman’s Drive. Since moving to the City Hospital in 2010, the team of midwives have worked hard to develop the unit and create a relaxing non-clinical environment for women who have had a low-risk pregnancy, or previous low-risk labour to have their babies. ‘This has had a really positive effect on women without the need for extensive pain relief or intervention.’ Says Janine Kettle MLBU Lead Midwife.

The unit consists of four individual birthing rooms with the additional facility of the birthing pool. There is a range of equipment available to promote active natural birth in a ‘home from home’ environment.

On 1 January 2014 the MLBU set up their own triage service separate to delivery suite triage, Janine says: ‘This service change was implemented to improve the pathway of care for low-risk women ensuring that they have better continuity of care and reduces the unnecessary transfer of women from one area to another. Triaging low-risk women directly on the MLBU has ensured that women are birthing in the most appropriate place relevant to their needs.’ This has demonstrated a significant increase in normal births this year on MLBU; there were 631 births in 2013 and over 700 in 2014 up to the month of November.

If you are pregnant and would like more information about the MLBU then please speak to your midwife.

Cardiology Research Team Focus No two days are ever the same for the Cardiology Research team. Based in the Cardiac Unit, they work to highlight and organise the various studies that are available for patients.

In 2004 Sarah Hamill, Cardiology Research Nurse took on a six month secondment to develop the studies that are available to our patients. Since then the team has expanded to include Charlene Gay, Cardiology Research Nurse and Tracey Peachey, Cardiology Research Administrator, with a supportive team of consultants and they are looking to grow further still.

“I was given the opportunity to build from scratch cardiology research on behalf of the

Trust 10 years ago and it has not stopped since then, ‘said Sarah Hamill.“ Previously we had to approach trials companies to see if they would run a trial at our Trust, now we have the enviable position where some of these companies are returning to the trust,” Currently the team are approaching patients for nine different research trials and all of these are commercial. This means that the team is funded by the trials companies, including treatments into acute heart failure, high cholesterol after heart attacks and patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation.

Potential patients are usually approached via outpatient clinics, but some medication needs to be provided quickly. The team are also

New development speeds up pacemaker service

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atients at the Trust have seen waiting times cut following developments in the pacemaker implantation service.

Three years ago the Trust launched the pacemaker implantation service in its Cardiac Investigations department. Since then, more than 750 patients have had their pacemaker fitted at Peterborough City Hospital instead of travelling to Papworth Hospital.

The procedure takes just 45 minutes to complete, under local anaesthetic. In some instances patients can arrive in the Emergency Department and then, once transferred to the cardiac catheter laboratory, immediately receive their pacemaker implantation before being admitted to a ward to recover. Most patients can then be discharged the following day.

elective day cases, which reduces the length of time patients spend as inpatients and reduces waiting times for procedures. We can also offer most patients their procedure within 24-48 hours of an emergency admission. Very few units across the country are able to provide a similar acute service at present and as a result our implant numbers are increasing yearon-year.”

Dr Brian Gordon, Consultant Cardiologist, said: “We are performing increasing numbers of procedures as

available to patients on trials 24 hours a day, so if a patient becomes unwell or has any questions, they can get in touch whenever they need to.

Dr Braganza, Lead Consultant for Cardiology Research said: “We have the opportunity to translate research into clinical practice and the benefits that our patients get from this is vital to the care that they receive.”

The aim of this educational event was to throw the spotlight on the help and advice that is available to the hundreds of sufferers in the local community, many of which can struggle with symptoms before seeking medical help.

Pacemaker implantation Stuart Newell, Chief Cardiac Physiologist and Catherine Laventure, Clinical Nurse Lead

Case Study: Peter Christmas, age 67, from Stamford, took part in a study after suffering a heart attack in May 2010.

Peter was just one of 20,000 people worldwide who took part in the study to find out how a cardiovascular drug could help to decrease the frequency of heart attacks in a patient.

He said: “The medical staff saved my life and I wanted to give something back, so if by doing this trial it can help others in the future, it can only be a good thing.

A day in the life of cardiology research - Dr Denise Braganza, Charlene Gay, Sarah Hamill, Tracey Peachey and Lorraine Archer

Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis, attended a special awareness and advice event held at Peterborough City Hospital on Saturday 15 November 2014.

The event was organised by the Trust’s IBD patient panel – the members of which have recent first-hand experience of hospital care for their condition.

Previously, some patients would have had up to 10 days in hospital before being transferred to Papworth Hospital for the procedure.

Due to the success of its pacemaker implantation service, the Trust has now ‘inherited’ 1,000 patients from Papworth Hospital, who live within Peterborough and Stamford and surrounding areas. These patients can now receive their follow-up procedures closer to home.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease awareness event hailed a success

“Throughout my care, the team, from the administrator to the research nurse to the consultant, they have all been fantastic. If I ever had any worries or questions I could ring Sarah or the team at any time day or night.”

The hospital’s Inflammatory Bowel Disease Nurses, Consultant Gastroenterologists, our Dieticians and representatives from Crohn’s and Colitis UK were in attendance.

Patient Panel Chairman John Humphries said: “We were really pleased with the amount of people who gave up their Saturday morning to attend the event and the feedback received so far showed they found it to be beneficial. Some sufferers brought their relatives too, and this helped improve their understanding which we hope will, in turn, help them feel they can provide greater support and understanding.

“On the back of this successful event, we will look at holding future workshops to ensure more people who are suffering can feel less isolated by their symptoms.”

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Trust Pilots Transforming Community Cancer Care Scheme Our Community Cancer Support Team at Peterborough City Hospital is running a pilot scheme commissioned by the East of England Strategic Clinical Network and Macmillan, which aims to support patients and empower individuals to manage their cancer needs.

The scheme is a two year project that began in February 2014. It supports adult patients with any type of cancer who are registered at Peterborough LCG GP Surgeries; however the service is only available for those registered at a select number of GP Surgeries.

The team consists of Fiona Ball, Primary Cancer Care Nurse, Patricia Mendes, Community Development Worker and Lynda Severs, Community Cancer Support Worker, who are based at the Robert Horrell Macmillan Centre. They work in the community and can provide follow-up support through home visits, and telephone support.

Referrals will be via Anglia Ice Requesting (under Cancer & Diagnostics tab-Cancer Support).

This service operates Mon-Thurs 9am - 5pm. To find out more information, contact Fiona Ball, Primary Care Cancer Nurse on: 01733 673178

Would you benefit from a Cancer Wellbeing Day?

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he Macmillan Day Therapy Centre team at Peterborough City Hospital are holding a series of one-day workshops throughout 2015 to help cancer patients and their carers understand and manage the physical and emotional impact of the illness. The events are for anyone who is living with or beyond cancer and carers are also invited.

“Each workshop will be open to patients and their carers and will encompass a whole range of topics that from our experience we know can be helpful,” said Kate Jurkschat, Deputy Sister. We are planning for the days to be informal and friendly.”

The first Cancer Wellbeing Day will be held in February (the date will be announced on our website and venue soon) from 9:30am-3:30pm.

Topics will include: managing emotions and symptoms, coping with fatigue, improving sleep, the impact of cancer on roles and relationships, body image, diet and exercise and the role of the cancer specialist nurse. We will also provide resources for seeking advice about work, finances and other practical issues.

Referrals needs to be made via any healthcare professional (e.g. nurse, GP or hospital consultant) but if you’d like more information then please contact Kate Jurkschat on 01733 678564 or Caroline Lansell Occupational Therapist on 01733 678566.

The first Cancer Wellbeing Day, held in April 2014 - led by Kate Jurkshcatt (front left) and Caroline Lansell (front right)

Radiotherapy department getting ready for expansion The initial work to expand the radiotherapy department is still taking place and if you’ve visited PCH recently then you might have noticed the hoarding up to the rear of the site.

If you’ve visited the radiotherapy unit for treatment then you have probably heard some of the construction work taking place as

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the builders get the area ready to build a third and fourth bunker.

We will be also be installing a new linear accelerator that provides radiotherapy treatment to patients and will enable us to see many more cancer patients across our region.

As the work picks up pace in the New Year, we will provide regular updates via our website as well as through Facebook and Twitter #pchradiotherapy.

Architects and designers working on the finer detail of hospital redevelopment

The EDM team

Working towards a ‘paper-lite’ organisation

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ollowing months of preparation, the Trust is now working towards reducing its paper usage via the implementation of an Electronic Document Management system (EDM). This project will see the transition from paper to digitised casenotes for all of our patients’ paper health records.

The project was approved in June 2014 with a ‘go live’ date for summer 2015 and is a key part of the Trust’s IM&T strategy and vision for a ‘paper-lite’ organisation. The majority of

the clinical information required is now held electronically, so scanning the patient’s paper records will enable us to move further towards being able to deliver a comprehensive record of patient care form a single source.

An EDM project team is now in place to assist in the delivery of the system working with clinical and administrative teams across the trust. The project team will focus on planning with Trust teams on how the introduction of the new software will affect practice and processes within their individual areas.

The redevelopment work is continuing at Stamford Hospital with staff emptying out those unused parts of the site that the Trust does not intend to use for delivery of its services in the future. This will allow the Trust to take a decision on possible demolition (respecting all historical buildings and items of interest) in the coming months.

The Pain Management service is the only patient service currently running from the west end part of the site, and it will remain in situ while the Trust determines a new location within the hospital site.

The project team have been working with staff, architects and designers to establish the finer details to each area to ensure that these fit with clinical requirements.

We are looking forward to being able to have more space to grow the range and type of services offered at the Stamford site and this is what the project team are focussing on.

Stamford Hospital MIU sees increasing number of patients Stamford Hospital Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) has seen an increasing number of patients compared to last year following the launch of its Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP) - led service.

Last year the department launched its ENP-led service with two emergency nurse practitioners supported by a trained nurse or healthcare assistant. It now also has a dedicated children’s area with a junglethemed mural, to provide a friendlier atmosphere for our younger patients.

• The Minor Injuries Unit can see and treat patients of all ages with injuries such as cuts, grazes and lacerations (including wounds that require suturing), minor scalds and burns and bites, stings and minor skin infections. There are also full x-ray facilities and facilities to deal with eye injuries such as foreign bodies and abrasions and minor eye conditions/ infections.

•M IU does not deal with minor illness or aliments such as stomach upsets, coughs, colds, flu like symptoms, sore throats and ear ache People should contact their GP or local pharmacist in these instances.

•O pening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

Since then the MIU has seen an ever increasing number of patients coming through the doors, with 8,544 patients last year. This year an extra 20 to 100 more patients are seen each month in comparison.

Julie Orr, Sister and Emergency Nurse Practitioner, said, “We have continued to see an increase in the numbers of patients at Stamford Hospitals MIU and with the ENP-led service we are now working across both the Peterborough and Stamford sites, so that patients attending either hospital has a similar journey and the same high level of care.”

Amanda Dann, Emergency Nurse Practitioner

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Bidding farewell to our Chief Nurse Chris In January we will say goodbye to our Director of Care Quality and Chief Nurse Chris Wilkinson when she takes early retirement.

Chris has been our Chief Nurse since 2002 and has seen many changes in healthcare services in the city – arguably the biggest change was when the Trust moved from Peterborough District and Edith Cavell Hospitals to the new Peterborough City Hospital in November 2010.

Chris began her nursing career at Middlesex Hospital in 1978 where she trained until she took up her first post on the hospital’s cardiac ward in 1981. In her career she has also worked at Guys Hospital and St Bartholomew’s, before going into a role where she oversaw the teaching of critical care courses at Bloomsbury and Islington College of Nursing and Midwifery.

In 1996 Chris joined Hinchingbrooke Healthcare NHS Trust as a Practice Development Advisor before taking up the Director of Nursing role there from 1997 to 2002.

Chris said: “I would like to thank all of the colleagues and friends I have had the pleasure and privilege of working with during my time in the Trust. It has been inspiring to see so much passion and ongoing commitment to providing the kind of care to patients that we would wish for ourselves or our loved ones – and this often in the context of significant challenges and pressures. I wish everyone the very best and look forward to hearing of ongoing quality improvements in patient care as I embark on the next chapter of my career’.

Trust chief executive Stephen Graves said: “Although I only had the chance to work with Chris for a short while it was clear to see how passionate she is about excellent nursing and continually improving the quality of care our patients receive. Her wealth of knowledge about our Trust and her unfaltering ‘can do’ attitude will be missed. We wish her well in her retirement and I am sure she will enjoy a well-earned rest before deciding what her next project might be.”

Joanne Bennis, pictured left, with Chris Wilkinson

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Daisy with Queen Elsa

Frozen fun

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hildren on Amazon ward at Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust recently received a very special visit.

The children were thrilled to see one their favourite characters, Queen Elsa from the Disney film Frozen wandering around the ward.

Donna became a regular volunteer at the Trust after reading a magazine article about a seriously ill young girl who desperately wanted to fly to America to see her favourite princess characters at Disney World.

Unfortunately, she was too ill to fly, so a friend of the family decided that she would dress up as a princess to surprise her.

Zoe Wilkinson, Play Specialist Coordinator said: “The visit was a great distraction for the children and it added a little sprinkle of magic to brighten up their hospital stay.”

Donna said: “The article really moved me and the more I thought about the more I realised that this was something that I wanted to do, so I rang the volunteer services at Peterborough City Hospital.”

Volunteer, Donna Duffy has been visiting the ward once a week, dressed up as children’s favourite characters.

“I love every minute of it and it is very rewarding to see the children’s faces light up when I enter the room dressed up.”

New chief nurse appointed Joanne Bennis has been appointed to the board of Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as its new Chief Nurse.

brings some excellent qualities to the role, having been a nurse for almost 30 years working in a variety of key areas including intensive care and practice development.”

Joanne, pictured left, is currently Deputy Chief Nurse at the Trust.

She will take over the role from Chris Wilkinson when she retires at the end of January 2015.

Joanne said: “I am very excited to be taking up the role of Chief Nurse. Chris Wilkinson has been a really inspirational Chief Nurse and I am proud to be following in her footsteps. I am looking forward to working with the Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professional teams at the Trust to implement new ideas for driving quality improvement that will benefit our patients.”

Trust Chief Executive Stephen Graves said: “On behalf of the board I would like to congratulate Joanne on her appointment, which was made following a robust recruitment process. We are looking forward to working with her. She

Breast Unit staff celebrate important milestone

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ur team in the Breast Unit celebrated 25 years of providing breast screening service to patients by staging a special open event on Saturday 27 September.

Administrator Rose Baker, Consultant Radiographer Jane Harris and Advanced Practitioner Michelle Harris worked on the unit back in 1989 when routine screening was first offered to women aged between 50 and 64 living in the Peterborough area.

The team, including consultants, nurses, administration staff and healthcare assistants, threw open their doors to members of the public who came along to find out more about how the service works and to take a look around the unit. Guests were also treated to tea, coffee and cakes.

Jayne Blackbourn, Breast Services Administration Manager, said: “Our breast screening service has been used by many patients in the past 25 years and has made a real difference to people’s lives as a result of earlier diagnosis and treatment. We are very proud of the work the team does and were thrilled to be able to mark such a milestone. It was a pleasure to welcome people in to the unit and help broaden their understanding of our service and how it works.”

As part of the event, the team also celebrated the contribution of three long-serving staff members who have been part of the city’s breast screening service since it began in the city.

Bishop of East Anglia visits Peterborough City Hospital Rt Rev Alan Hopes, RC Bishop of East Anglia recently visited Peterborough City Hospital to celebrate Mass, and visit patients.

Bishop Alan met with the Trust chaplaincy team before saying Mass, where a number of local priests, patients and visitors were also present.

After the service Bishop Alan visited patients around the Trust. He had private visits with patients on the Cardiac Ward, Oncology Ward and Ward B6.

One of the patients who received a visit said: “He was a lovely gentle man who really lifted my spirits”.

Myles O’Hanlon said: “It was a great occasion and I have no doubt that the visit by Bishop Alan did give a lift to everyone he met. He had a genuine interest in each person he spoke to.

He has a loving and caring nature which really shone through.”

The Breast Unit team

Patients’ praise for our excellent emergency team

Our staff in the Emergency Department often meet patients at their most worried and vulnerable, which is why their roles require that extra caring touch. It seems from recent feedback from patients that their calm, yet professional approach is greatly appreciated. Here are two extracts of letters from patients – both of which found themselves in our Emergency Department while visiting the city recently.

“I had to attend your A&E department following an injury incurred on a weekend away with my family.

I wanted to write and congratulate your hospital on the effectiveness of staff, their friendliness and, above all, for making me feel like they really wanted to treat me. They put me at my ease at a time when I was in a lot of pain. The highlight came when the consultant who gave me a very thorough check over on the day rang at home after I was discharged to see how I was getting on. I am 60 years old and have never experienced this from the NHS before.

I was very impressed with your hospital from the time I drove in until we left. The hospital was very clean and staff conducted themselves in a way that I believe makes them a credit to the NHS.”

“I wanted to share my experience of the A&E unit at Peterborough City Hospital and to give my thanks to all those who helped me. In particular, I wanted to thank Dr Oliver Bowes and Emergency Nurse Practitioner Robin Haines who saved me from having to take a trip to Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. I have never had a better experience in an A&E before. Dr Bowes confirmed that I had a tick in my eye and immediately got on the phone to discuss with colleagues the best course of action for removing it and preventing any further issues. It took three hours to remove it and wash out my eye, after which I was given antibiotics to prevent infection in what was a very delicate area. They even took photographs through a magnifier to help me understand what was going on. The level of care I received was astonishing and I wanted to thank Dr Bowes for his professionalism and kindness and his swift handling of what was a complex case. Best of all was his willingness to discuss my treatment with me. I felt informed and in control at all times. Congratulations for providing a superb A&E experience.”

Mr I Smith, Worcester

C Coulson, Nottinghamshire

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Are you entitled to concessionary parking at the City Hospital?

Do you know if you’re eligible for patient and visitor concessionary parking? We know that it can sometimes be confusing as to whether or not you are expected to pay for your parking and so we wanted to remind you of the details and help you find out more if you need any assistance.

Concessionary car parking fees are applicable as follows: • You are a patient whose appointment time exceeds two and a half hours due to a long wait in clinic • You are a patient with a longterm illness or serious condition needing regular or long-term treatment such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and haemodialysis • You are a parent of a child in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Amazon Ward or a birthing partner • You are the main visitor to a critically ill or terminally ill patient on a daily basis • Relatives visiting patients on a daily basis for a prolonged periods of time (exceeding seven days) • Visitors to the Bereavement Centre Concessionary application forms can be obtained from the ward or via any of our reception desks.

Parking charges in place at the City Hospital are in line with national guidance and we always aim to make it as easy as possible for you to park and pay during your visit. If you are still unsure about whether this applies to you or not, or would like more information then please contact the Travel Office on 01733 673384.

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2014 Christmas Celebrations with the Chaplaincy at Peterborough City Hospital Sunday 7th December 3pm Remembrance and Thanksgiving.

Baby and Child Memorial Service of Love,

Wednesday 10 December 1.30pm Blessing of the crib in the atrium & carol singing with children from Sacred Heart School

Wednesday 17 December 3pm

Christmas Carol Service for Friends, Volunteers and Staff with St John Fisher Catholic High School Choir

Wednesday 17 December 6pm Carols with local Church friends round the wards Thursday 18 December 7pm

St. Peters Singers Carols on Wards

Wednesday 25 December 10am

11am

Salvation Army Band Carols Ecumenical Service in the Chapel

The members of the Chaplaincy Team, Chaplains and Volunteers, wish you and yours a time of blessing, joy and peace this coming Christmastide.

Your views are vital!

The feedback the Trust receives from our members is crucial in helping us develop and improve the services we offer. Members are given the opportunity to take part in focus groups/workshops, attend members meetings and contact the membership officer via phone or email to assist us in shaping our facilities.

If you are interested in becoming a member and would like more information, please email membership@pbh-tr.nhs.uk or call 01733 678023, alternatively you can apply on our Trust website.

Dates for your Diary: Tuesday 14 April - Members meeting at Peterborough City Hospital Thursday 23 July - Annual Public Meeting at Peterborough City Hospital Wednesday 7 October - Members Meeting at Stamford Hospital Please keep an eye out for details about times and locations. We will be sending out reminder messages via email nearer the time.

Don’t forget to let us know if you change your address or contact details. If you would like to help us save money on printing costs by receiving future publications via email, please contact us on communications@pbh-tr.nhs.uk or 01733 678023.

The Walnut Tree – 24 High Street St Martins, Stamford. PE9 2LJ Tel: 01780 752746

The Walnut Tree Nurser y

S

et in a beautiful private Georgian House at the top end of High Street St Martins, The Walnut Tree is ‘Childcare on Domestic Premises’ which translates as a wonderful ‘home-from-home’ environment for babies and children to thrive under owner Joan Kirkup’s care. Open all year round (except Bank holidays) from 8am – 6pm with space for maximum 15 children, it is an ideal first step for many babies leaving the security of home for the first time.

Alongside the lawned garden and den areas, there is also a single-use stone annexe as the children’s playroom, which

provides a safe and stimulating environment for structured play which follows the EYFS curriculum – including weekly ‘Jellybeans’ music sessions and French lessons and songs. The spacious kitchen plays host to birthday parties as well as daily home cooked food at lunchtime.

The children have full use of Joan’s home which helps them develop invaluable social and life skills. www.walnut-tree-childcare.co.uk/

‘Helping the little ones grow’

The Sibson Inn Hotel Hotel Restaurant Bar Weddings Conferences 19 en-suite bedrooms •

OCTAGON

Cosy beamed bar & restaurant • Food served all day •

Birthdays, Christenings, Anniversaries •

• Licenced for civil ceremonies

Private parties • Corporate functions •

• Exclusive use • Ballroom/marquee • Weddings of all sizes a speciality • Set in seven acres of gardens & land

*5 % w di ith sc ad ou d nt

Every possible care has been taken to ensure that the information given in this publication is accurate. Whilst the publisher would be grateful to learn of any errors, it cannot accept any liability over and above the cost of the advertisement for loss there by caused. No reproduction by any method whatsoever of any part of this publication is permitted without prior written consent of the copyright owners.

Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd. ©2014. Britannic Chambers, 8a Carlton Road, Worksop, Notts. S80 1PH Tel: 01909 478822

*1 0% w d ith is ad cou d nt

DE S IG N & M A R K E T I N G LT D

Breakfast, lunches & evening menu •

• Privately owned and managed

“Your perfect wedding venue” Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor does Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust endorse any of the products or services.

Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

“Excellent - Just held our second daughters’ wedding at the hotel, First class organisation from start to finish, friendly, hardworking staff, superb wedding breakfast and evening buffet. Nothing too much trouble, I would recommend anyone planning a wedding to try the Sibson Inn Hotel.” Mr B… May 2014 *please note terms and conditions apply – please call for details

A1 Great North Road, Stibbington, Peterborough PE8 6ND

Tel: 01780 782227

thesibsoninn@hotmail.co.uk ■ www.sibsoninn.com

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STRAFFORD - QUALITY BUILT IN

Strafford Fabrications specialising nationwide in the manufacture and installation of high quality staircases and handrail systems for domestic and commercial projects.

We are able to offer a bespoke design and manufacturing service or supply products to reflect your own ideas whilst complying with current building regulations.

Our traditional or modern staircases can incorporate a wide variety of materials including satin and mirror polished stainless steel, brass and aluminium. Also glass and a wide range of hardwoods are used to compliment our metalwork. We can also offer a powder coating service with a full range of colours.

Unit 3 Strafford Industrial Park, Gilroyd Lane, Dodworth, Barnsley S75 3EJ Tel/Fax 01226 296767 Wayne 07766 943937 Brian 07818 258601 E-mail: info@straffordfabrications.co.uk

www.straffordfabrications.co.uk 14

Our experienced fitters complete installations quickly and considerately with minimum disruption to your property and ensure your complete satisfaction.

We welcome enquiries from members of the public as well as architects and developers and will be pleased to advise on any queries you may have.

GET

D E C I T O N ADVERTISE

HERE Call the sales team on 01909 478822

OCTAGON DESIGN & M AR K E TING LTD

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Opening Times - Booking advisable Mon to Thursday Business Lunch 12 noon to 2pm (£7.95 per head) Evening 4.30pm to 11pm

Fri to Sat Lunch 12noon to 2pm Evening 4.30pm to 11.30pm Special Wednesday Banquet (£11.95 per head)

Sunday All day buffet 11.30am to 11.00pm (£5.95 Children & OAPs. £9.95 Adults)

Delivery Available within a 6-mile radius

01733 246 519 124 Main Street, Yaxley, Peterborough PE7 3LP

Designed & Published by Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd, Britannic Chambers, 8a Carlton Road, Worksop, Notts. S80 1PH Tel: 01909 478822